Few questions on amateur boxing (in the united states) How long do most people train before their first bout? How many fights do you guys do a year? How many fights per event? (Do you ever fight more than once?) Thanks
Really, really depends what you're doing. Depends on how hard you work and how well you pick up on stuff. But typically I'd say 4-8 months is a good range for a first fight. Depends again on where you live for how many per year you can fight. If you live in a more populated area or travel a lot and can get lots of match bouts, you could fight 20-30 times a year I would say; including tournament bouts if you go to national tournaments and advance a little. If it's a local show then typically one fight; but if it's an LBC tournament you could have 2-3, or however many to determine a winner; same with a Regional event. Then you get tournaments like Ringside, where if you go to the finals you'll typically fight 4 bouts, unless you get a bye. And then I'd say you could get 4-5 depending on how far you go and how crowded the field is if you qualify for the National Golden Gloves and US National Championships; same with PAL except you don't have to qualify for that.
Yeah, has to be a 24 hour seperation in between fights; and you have to weigh in and be looked over by the doctor again each day you fight.
Thanks for the responses. I am hoping to get ready in 2-3 months, I have been training all this past week at a local gym. My grandfather was a boxer in the Philippines and taught me some boxing when I was 10-12. I sparred a lot back then but stopped boxing around 12. I messed around in Kempo and Tae Kwon Do a little, nothing serious. I did get into a lot of fights growing up I'm hoping my previous experience (even brief) will get me ready faster. I think I am in decent shape (6'1, 175lbs), I still have a little more cardio to work out, but I am in better shape then I thought I was. I would appreciate any additional comments/suggestions/tips. I know NOTHING about the amateur boxing scene. Any tips for the first fight etc I would like to hear (ie: Should I do a one-time bout to start with, and stay away from tournaments for a while?) Also, how long are the rounds? Thanks again
Are you in the USA? Here, rounds are 2 minutes. So 3, 2 min rounds. Get in good shape, lots of conditioning, defense and sparring. Then, when your coach thinks you are ready, take a match bout. (non-tournament) and see how it goes. Most first time novices really underestimate conditioning, especially considering how much the nerves will zap your energy.
So the match bout is a one time thing, thanks for that info. Do I need to purchase a license for this? Yes I am in the US. Delaware to be exact
A match-bout is just a fight. A non-tournament fight. It does go on your record, but it's not for any sort of distinction/title. You need to register with USA boxing. You should be registered if you are even training in a gym, that way you are insured if you are injured during training. Have you talked with your coach and told him you'd like to compete? He should have these answers for you, if he doesn't, you may want to look for another gym if there is one near you. Good luck.
Amy, I'll register with USA boxing. That's good info to know. I'm shooting you a PM on a question with something Thanks
